The night also featured a moment in which Katy had to address one contestant's love for her reported rival, Taylor Swift. More on that later.

There were a number of "yeses," but here's a look at just some of the standouts:

Savannah, Georgia

Crystal Alicea is a 20-year-old with flaming red hair, whose only previous performing experience has been singing karaoke around her hometown of Winter Haven, Florida. She used to get bullied about her weight and resorted to “self-harming” to deal with her anger. She’s since conquered her weight and insecurities, thanks in part to her boyfriend of seven years. Her performance of Sam Smith’s "Lay Me Down" impressed all three judges, including Katy, who declared Alicea had “an ‘it’ factor,” adding, "I think you're a little star...I would totally follow you on Instagram.” Crystal got three "yeses" and a ticket to Hollywood.

Hickory, North Carolina, native Johnny White's mother struggled with drug addiction, and his dad spent nine years in prison. After shuttling between homeless shelters and foster homes, Johnny was finally adopted, but never felt like he belonged. Music became his therapy, and, with the help of his vocal coach, found the confidence to make it to the Idol auditions. His no-holds-barred cover of James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” impressed Lionel, who also urged him to tone things down a bit. “You’ve got to make love to us, but you’ve got to have a little foreplay before you do it.” Katy called White “top 10 material.” He got three “yeses” and a trip to Hollywood.

New York

Jonny Brenns, from St. Augustine, Florida, says his parents preferred education over music, but his urge to sing was just too strong. In fact, the six-foot, five-inch 18-year-old kept his Idol audition a secret from them. Jonny’s original tune, called “Blue Jeans,” had the judges mixed. Katy was a “yes,” explaining Brenns was “good looking,” and had a “sweet little sexy thing going on.” Luke was on the fence, until Jonny sang a little of Michael Bublé’s “Home” and added a second “yes.” Richie felt the singer was still a little green and voted “no.” Brenns got to call his parents and tell them he’s going to Hollywood, and have Lionel sing a little bit of his hit “Hello” to her over the phone.

Los Angeles

Effie Passero, an assistant property manager living in Modesto, California, and a former opera singer backed herself on the piano as she sang her original song, "Troubled Mind." Effie's powerful voice brought the judges to their feet, with Lionel declaring they now had a “secret weapon in our arsenal.” Luke added that Passero -- who sported a punk haircut and numerous tattoos -- had the “whole thing going on.” Katy agreed, adding the singer had a voice they’d been demanding from all the contestants. All three judges shouted in unison, “You’re going to Hollywood.”

Amelia Hammer Harris, 26, comes from rock & roll royalty: her father, Jack Hammer, wrote such classics as Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire” and “Yakety Yak” for The Coasters, though she never actually met him until she was 16. Their relationship was strained, until he started suffering from dementia, at the age of 90, when they became “friends” while she cared for him until his death. Amelia’s soulful take on The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” earned her a trip to Hollywood, though Richie warned that she needed to “find a couple of avenues you didn’t know you had” in order to go deep into the competition.

Maddie Zahm, a 19-yearold from Boise, Idaho, says music was always her passion, but a hormone imbalance caused her to gain 100 pounds and took away her confidence. Maddie, who now teaches music to kids with disabilities, was accompanied on her audition by one of them, a boy with Down Syndrome named Marcus. Maddie says his ability to come out of his shell inspired her to do the same. Marcus sat with judges as she performed “New Rules” by Dua Lipa. Then, in a touching moment, he joined her on Katy’s hit “Firework.” Perry noted Zahm had an “incredible set of pipes” and is “a good woman.” Luke said Maddie seemed “a little timid,” at times, before adding, “You got it.” She earned a Golden Ticket to Hollywood.

A montage of artists who didn't make the cut provided one of the more awkward moments on Sunday, when Bryan asked a hopeful who had influenced him as an artist. "I'm sorry for this Katy -- Taylor Swift -- I love her," he answered, referring to Perry and Swift's alleged feud. "You don't have to worry," Katy replied. "I love her as a songwriter, as well."

]]>ABC/Eddy ChenABC's American Idol continued on Sunday night with two more hours of auditions, and judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie traveling to New York, Los Angeles and Savannah, Georgia, in search of artists worthy of a coveted Golden Ticket to Hollywood.

The night also featured a moment in which Katy had to address one contestant's love for her reported rival, Taylor Swift. More on that later.

There were a number of "yeses," but here's a look at just some of the standouts:

Savannah, Georgia

Crystal Alicea is a 20-year-old with flaming red hair, whose only previous performing experience has been singing karaoke around her hometown of Winter Haven, Florida. She used to get bullied about her weight and resorted to “self-harming” to deal with her anger. She’s since conquered her weight and insecurities, thanks in part to her boyfriend of seven years. Her performance of Sam Smith’s "Lay Me Down" impressed all three judges, including Katy, who declared Alicea had “an ‘it’ factor,” adding, "I think you're a little star...I would totally follow you on Instagram.” Crystal got three "yeses" and a ticket to Hollywood.

Hickory, North Carolina, native Johnny White's mother struggled with drug addiction, and his dad spent nine years in prison. After shuttling between homeless shelters and foster homes, Johnny was finally adopted, but never felt like he belonged. Music became his therapy, and, with the help of his vocal coach, found the confidence to make it to the Idol auditions. His no-holds-barred cover of James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” impressed Lionel, who also urged him to tone things down a bit. “You’ve got to make love to us, but you’ve got to have a little foreplay before you do it.” Katy called White “top 10 material.” He got three “yeses” and a trip to Hollywood.

New York

Jonny Brenns, from St. Augustine, Florida, says his parents preferred education over music, but his urge to sing was just too strong. In fact, the six-foot, five-inch 18-year-old kept his Idol audition a secret from them. Jonny’s original tune, called “Blue Jeans,” had the judges mixed. Katy was a “yes,” explaining Brenns was “good looking,” and had a “sweet little sexy thing going on.” Luke was on the fence, until Jonny sang a little of Michael Bublé’s “Home” and added a second “yes.” Richie felt the singer was still a little green and voted “no.” Brenns got to call his parents and tell them he’s going to Hollywood, and have Lionel sing a little bit of his hit “Hello” to her over the phone.

Los Angeles

Effie Passero, an assistant property manager living in Modesto, California, and a former opera singer backed herself on the piano as she sang her original song, "Troubled Mind." Effie's powerful voice brought the judges to their feet, with Lionel declaring they now had a “secret weapon in our arsenal.” Luke added that Passero -- who sported a punk haircut and numerous tattoos -- had the “whole thing going on.” Katy agreed, adding the singer had a voice they’d been demanding from all the contestants. All three judges shouted in unison, “You’re going to Hollywood.”

Amelia Hammer Harris, 26, comes from rock & roll royalty: her father, Jack Hammer, wrote such classics as Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire” and “Yakety Yak” for The Coasters, though she never actually met him until she was 16. Their relationship was strained, until he started suffering from dementia, at the age of 90, when they became “friends” while she cared for him until his death. Amelia’s soulful take on The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” earned her a trip to Hollywood, though Richie warned that she needed to “find a couple of avenues you didn’t know you had” in order to go deep into the competition.

Maddie Zahm, a 19-yearold from Boise, Idaho, says music was always her passion, but a hormone imbalance caused her to gain 100 pounds and took away her confidence. Maddie, who now teaches music to kids with disabilities, was accompanied on her audition by one of them, a boy with Down Syndrome named Marcus. Maddie says his ability to come out of his shell inspired her to do the same. Marcus sat with judges as she performed “New Rules” by Dua Lipa. Then, in a touching moment, he joined her on Katy’s hit “Firework.” Perry noted Zahm had an “incredible set of pipes” and is “a good woman.” Luke said Maddie seemed “a little timid,” at times, before adding, “You got it.” She earned a Golden Ticket to Hollywood.

A montage of artists who didn't make the cut provided one of the more awkward moments on Sunday, when Bryan asked a hopeful who had influenced him as an artist. "I'm sorry for this Katy -- Taylor Swift -- I love her," he answered, referring to Perry and Swift's alleged feud. "You don't have to worry," Katy replied. "I love her as a songwriter, as well."

]]>Demi Lovato's own personal "hero" is finally telling her own storyhttp://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/7be76850b6e2af993b789625bdc595a9
Mon, 19 Mar 2018 05:00:00 -0500http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/7be76850b6e2af993b789625bdc595a9Feiwel & Friends/MacmillanBecause she's been so open about her personal struggles, Demi Lovato's been a role model for millions of fans. But Demi's honesty has also inspired someone very close to her: her own mother.

Demi's mom, Dianna De La Garza, has a new book, Falling with Wings: A Mother's Story. It reveals her own battles with addiction, anxiety, anorexia, and domestic violence, and she says it was Demi who inspired her to finish it.

"Demi was speaking about the struggles that she had been through...and it was helping so many people," Dianna tells ABC Radio. "And I just thought, "I wanna be a part of that. I wanna be one of those people that speaks out and helps others."

Thanks to the book, she is.

"I've been getting so many tweets from people who say, "I live in a small rural town and I'm afraid to speak out...I don't want people to know I'm struggling,'" Dianna says. "And after reading the book they feel more confident...so I'm really excited about that."

Because she's overcome so much, Demi told People magazine that her mom is her "hero." Dianna says that means the world to her.

"We as moms, we don't look at ourselves that way," she says. "We just get up and we do things and we carry on, we take care of our kids -- so for any kid to think their mom is a hero...is an amazing thing."

And returning the compliment, Dianna says that nothing Demi's accomplished in her career makes her prouder than the fact that she's been sober for six years.

"Without her sobriety I don't know that she would have a career," notes Dianna. "I don't know if she would have a future. I don't have to worry about that now."

]]>Feiwel & Friends/MacmillanBecause she's been so open about her personal struggles, Demi Lovato's been a role model for millions of fans. But Demi's honesty has also inspired someone very close to her: her own mother.

Demi's mom, Dianna De La Garza, has a new book, Falling with Wings: A Mother's Story. It reveals her own battles with addiction, anxiety, anorexia, and domestic violence, and she says it was Demi who inspired her to finish it.

"Demi was speaking about the struggles that she had been through...and it was helping so many people," Dianna tells ABC Radio. "And I just thought, "I wanna be a part of that. I wanna be one of those people that speaks out and helps others."

Thanks to the book, she is.

"I've been getting so many tweets from people who say, "I live in a small rural town and I'm afraid to speak out...I don't want people to know I'm struggling,'" Dianna says. "And after reading the book they feel more confident...so I'm really excited about that."

Because she's overcome so much, Demi told People magazine that her mom is her "hero." Dianna says that means the world to her.

"We as moms, we don't look at ourselves that way," she says. "We just get up and we do things and we carry on, we take care of our kids -- so for any kid to think their mom is a hero...is an amazing thing."

And returning the compliment, Dianna says that nothing Demi's accomplished in her career makes her prouder than the fact that she's been sober for six years.

"Without her sobriety I don't know that she would have a career," notes Dianna. "I don't know if she would have a future. I don't have to worry about that now."

]]>Karlie Kloss on reported Taylor Swift feud: "Don't believe everything you read"http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/70ac0acb1aaab24995c132e20b9f773e
Fri, 16 Mar 2018 17:07:00 -0500http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/70ac0acb1aaab24995c132e20b9f773eKarwai Tang/WireImageThe rumors that Taylor Swift and her squad member Karlie Kloss had a falling out have been so persistent that even Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrencesaid that she couldn't sleep at night for wondering what had happened between the two. Well, the answer is...nothing.

In an interview with the New York Times to promote Kode With Klossy, the camp she started in 2015 to encourage girls to learn how to write computer code, she says that she and Taylor are still good friends. Not only that, but she says they speak to one another frequently.

"Don’t believe everything you read,” said Karlie.

As previously reported, since the end of August, there have been rumors about the membership of Taylor's squad. August 27, when Taylor released her video for "Look What You Made Me Do," one scene featured her wearing a shirt decorated with the names of her squad members. As People pointed out, fans noticed that Karlie's name was missing.

But in January, Karlie posted a video of herself playing basketball with the caption "Swish Swish," which is also the name of Katy Perry's Taylor diss track. Karlie removed the words when fans freaked out. And in February, Karlie was spotted having dinner with Katy, causing fans to flood Karlie's Instagram with rat emojis.

But Karlie's comments to the New York Times prove that apparently, it is possible for two female stars to be friends without taking sides, or documenting their every move on Instagram.

]]>Karwai Tang/WireImageThe rumors that Taylor Swift and her squad member Karlie Kloss had a falling out have been so persistent that even Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrencesaid that she couldn't sleep at night for wondering what had happened between the two. Well, the answer is...nothing.

In an interview with the New York Times to promote Kode With Klossy, the camp she started in 2015 to encourage girls to learn how to write computer code, she says that she and Taylor are still good friends. Not only that, but she says they speak to one another frequently.

"Don’t believe everything you read,” said Karlie.

As previously reported, since the end of August, there have been rumors about the membership of Taylor's squad. August 27, when Taylor released her video for "Look What You Made Me Do," one scene featured her wearing a shirt decorated with the names of her squad members. As People pointed out, fans noticed that Karlie's name was missing.

But in January, Karlie posted a video of herself playing basketball with the caption "Swish Swish," which is also the name of Katy Perry's Taylor diss track. Karlie removed the words when fans freaked out. And in February, Karlie was spotted having dinner with Katy, causing fans to flood Karlie's Instagram with rat emojis.

But Karlie's comments to the New York Times prove that apparently, it is possible for two female stars to be friends without taking sides, or documenting their every move on Instagram.

After the singer criticized Snapchat for displaying a third-party ad that seemed to make a joke out of domestic violence, stocks for the app dropped nearly four percent Thursday. According to The Wall Street Journal, that plunge erased about $800 million from Snap’s market value.

The controversial ad, which is a take on the game "Would You Rather?" asked viewers if they would rather "Slap Rihanna" or "Punch Chris Brown" with pictures of both artists featured. The ad was apparently a reference to the fact that Brown physically assaulted Rihanna in 2009.

On Thursday, Rihanna took to her Instagram Story to address the ad, writing, "You spent money to animate something that would intentionally bring shame to [domestic violence] victims and made a joke of it!!!"

She continued, "This isn't about my personal feelings, cause I don't have much of them...but all the women, children and men that have been victims of DV in the past and especially the ones who haven't made it out yet....you let us down! Shame on you. Throw the whole app-oligy away."

In a statement to ABC News, Snapchat said, "This advertisement is disgusting and never should have appeared on our service. We are so sorry we made the terrible mistake of allowing it through our review process. We are investigating how that happened so that we can make sure it never happens again.”

Rihanna isn't the first celebrity to mess with Snapchat's market share. After Kylie Jenner tweeted that she hardly uses Snapchat anymore, stocks plummeted. According to Bloomberg, the tweet could have cost Snapchat $1.3 billion in market value.

After the singer criticized Snapchat for displaying a third-party ad that seemed to make a joke out of domestic violence, stocks for the app dropped nearly four percent Thursday. According to The Wall Street Journal, that plunge erased about $800 million from Snap’s market value.

The controversial ad, which is a take on the game "Would You Rather?" asked viewers if they would rather "Slap Rihanna" or "Punch Chris Brown" with pictures of both artists featured. The ad was apparently a reference to the fact that Brown physically assaulted Rihanna in 2009.

On Thursday, Rihanna took to her Instagram Story to address the ad, writing, "You spent money to animate something that would intentionally bring shame to [domestic violence] victims and made a joke of it!!!"

She continued, "This isn't about my personal feelings, cause I don't have much of them...but all the women, children and men that have been victims of DV in the past and especially the ones who haven't made it out yet....you let us down! Shame on you. Throw the whole app-oligy away."

In a statement to ABC News, Snapchat said, "This advertisement is disgusting and never should have appeared on our service. We are so sorry we made the terrible mistake of allowing it through our review process. We are investigating how that happened so that we can make sure it never happens again.”

Rihanna isn't the first celebrity to mess with Snapchat's market share. After Kylie Jenner tweeted that she hardly uses Snapchat anymore, stocks plummeted. According to Bloomberg, the tweet could have cost Snapchat $1.3 billion in market value.

Christopher Polk/NBC/NBC via Getty ImagesCamila Cabello is thrilled to be going on tour with her friend Taylor Swift in May, but she says that she doesn't like it when people assume that their friendship involves Taylor advising her on her career moves.

On the latest episode of The Dan Wootton Interview, a podcast hosted by the executive editor of the British tabloid The Sun, Camila says it "annoyed" her that people thought it was Taylor who somehow was "encouraging" her to leave Fifth Harmony and go solo.

"It annoyed me...because I know that she probably got a lot of flak for that or a lot of negative criticism for that, and that annoys me because I'm protective over my friends," she tells Wootton. Beside, she says it's silly for anyone to believe that's something she could be talked into.

"Nobody could ever persuade me to do anything, like if I don't want to do something, the whole world can be telling me and I won't do it," she insists. "And if I do [want to do something]...the whole world can be telling me to not do it, [but] I'll do it. Just 'cause I've always been that way."

So if Camila and Taylor don't talk about their careers, what do they talk about? "Whenever we hang out, we talk about love and boys," Camila tells Wootton. "Our friendship is very, like, innocent in that way and it's so, like, pure, and I fiercely like to protect my friendships with people in the industry that are like that."

Christopher Polk/NBC/NBC via Getty ImagesCamila Cabello is thrilled to be going on tour with her friend Taylor Swift in May, but she says that she doesn't like it when people assume that their friendship involves Taylor advising her on her career moves.

On the latest episode of The Dan Wootton Interview, a podcast hosted by the executive editor of the British tabloid The Sun, Camila says it "annoyed" her that people thought it was Taylor who somehow was "encouraging" her to leave Fifth Harmony and go solo.

"It annoyed me...because I know that she probably got a lot of flak for that or a lot of negative criticism for that, and that annoys me because I'm protective over my friends," she tells Wootton. Beside, she says it's silly for anyone to believe that's something she could be talked into.

"Nobody could ever persuade me to do anything, like if I don't want to do something, the whole world can be telling me and I won't do it," she insists. "And if I do [want to do something]...the whole world can be telling me to not do it, [but] I'll do it. Just 'cause I've always been that way."

So if Camila and Taylor don't talk about their careers, what do they talk about? "Whenever we hang out, we talk about love and boys," Camila tells Wootton. "Our friendship is very, like, innocent in that way and it's so, like, pure, and I fiercely like to protect my friendships with people in the industry that are like that."

]]>Portugal. the Man's "Feel It Still" and "Live in the Moment" get the "Weird Al" remix treatmenthttp://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/fe84fca3ba9a2488949fa1a96d06a294
Fri, 16 Mar 2018 14:00:00 -0500http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/fe84fca3ba9a2488949fa1a96d06a294ABC/Image Group LAIf, after hearing it for the umpteenth time, you thought that the only thing missing from "Feel It Still" is more accordion, then have no fear, "Weird Al" Yankovic is here.

The master parody songwriter and polka enthusiast has shared a remix of Portugal. the Man's mega-hit, as well as one for the band's current single, "Live in the Moment." Both remixes are available now for digital download.

Both "Feel It Still" and "Live in the Moment" appear on Portugal. the Man's latest album Woodstock. The band will be touring behind the album pretty much non-stop throughout the year, and will hit a number of festivals including Coachella, Hangout and Boston Calling.

]]>ABC/Image Group LAIf, after hearing it for the umpteenth time, you thought that the only thing missing from "Feel It Still" is more accordion, then have no fear, "Weird Al" Yankovic is here.

The master parody songwriter and polka enthusiast has shared a remix of Portugal. the Man's mega-hit, as well as one for the band's current single, "Live in the Moment." Both remixes are available now for digital download.

Both "Feel It Still" and "Live in the Moment" appear on Portugal. the Man's latest album Woodstock. The band will be touring behind the album pretty much non-stop throughout the year, and will hit a number of festivals including Coachella, Hangout and Boston Calling.

ABC/Image Group LAThe Chainsmokers have released their third single of 2018 Friday, called “Everybody Hates Me.”

Following the release of “Sick Boy” and “You Owe Me,” this track tackles the loneliness of fame and dealing with haters.

“I’m not trying to be like, ‘Poor me, I made it’/I’m just trying to stay normal now that they know what my name is,” Drew Taggart sings. “I just want to drink tequila with my friends/I walk into the club like everybody hates me.”

No word yet on if The Chainsmokers will be releasing a new album or whether they will just continue to release one-off singles.

ABC/Image Group LAThe Chainsmokers have released their third single of 2018 Friday, called “Everybody Hates Me.”

Following the release of “Sick Boy” and “You Owe Me,” this track tackles the loneliness of fame and dealing with haters.

“I’m not trying to be like, ‘Poor me, I made it’/I’m just trying to stay normal now that they know what my name is,” Drew Taggart sings. “I just want to drink tequila with my friends/I walk into the club like everybody hates me.”

No word yet on if The Chainsmokers will be releasing a new album or whether they will just continue to release one-off singles.

]]>Don't Go Breaking My Heart: Demi Lovato &amp; Q Tip turn an Elton John classic into a vogue anthemhttp://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/9f156f33cd92eddb2e999396105a44a9
Fri, 16 Mar 2018 10:32:00 -0500http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/9f156f33cd92eddb2e999396105a44a9Island RecordsFollowing the news that a bunch of today's top pop stars had put their own spins on Elton John's classic hits for a new album called Revamp, we've got our first taste of the project.

It's a remake of the 1976 #1 hit "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," which Elton recorded with singer Kiki Dee. This time, it's recorded by Demi Lovato and A Tribe Called Quest frontman Q-Tip, who infuse the bouncy pop tune with a more soulful, reggae groove.

In an interview video, Q-Tip explains that he got involved in the project because Elton played on A Tribe Called Quest's final album, We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service. As for Demi, she says, "This project with Elton is an opportunity I couldn't pass up; he's an icon, a legend."

"I think the new version of the song is really cool," she adds. "It's got more of a soulful take on it, and it's something I haven't heard before. I think Q-Tip did a great job."

"You know, we just wanted to make it a little funkier," adds Q-Tip.

Neither Demi or Q-Tip appear in the video, which was inspired by the 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning. That film documents the underground LGBTQ "ball culture," where elaborately dressed participants -- many in drag -- compete at events called "balls," which they "walk," as though on a runway, and are judged by their clothing and dancing or "voguing" ability.

Revamp, which also features Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus and other stars reworking Elton's hits, is out April 6.

]]>Island RecordsFollowing the news that a bunch of today's top pop stars had put their own spins on Elton John's classic hits for a new album called Revamp, we've got our first taste of the project.

It's a remake of the 1976 #1 hit "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," which Elton recorded with singer Kiki Dee. This time, it's recorded by Demi Lovato and A Tribe Called Quest frontman Q-Tip, who infuse the bouncy pop tune with a more soulful, reggae groove.

In an interview video, Q-Tip explains that he got involved in the project because Elton played on A Tribe Called Quest's final album, We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service. As for Demi, she says, "This project with Elton is an opportunity I couldn't pass up; he's an icon, a legend."

"I think the new version of the song is really cool," she adds. "It's got more of a soulful take on it, and it's something I haven't heard before. I think Q-Tip did a great job."

"You know, we just wanted to make it a little funkier," adds Q-Tip.

Neither Demi or Q-Tip appear in the video, which was inspired by the 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning. That film documents the underground LGBTQ "ball culture," where elaborately dressed participants -- many in drag -- compete at events called "balls," which they "walk," as though on a runway, and are judged by their clothing and dancing or "voguing" ability.

Revamp, which also features Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus and other stars reworking Elton's hits, is out April 6.

]]>Meghan Trainor's dying to have *this* star sing at her upcoming weddinghttp://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/c7d1de97496230fc8bce52f1cf518142
Fri, 16 Mar 2018 05:00:00 -0500http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/c7d1de97496230fc8bce52f1cf518142Taylor Miller / BuzzFeedWhen Meghan Trainor ties the knot with her fiance, Daryl Sabara, she'll probably be too busy to actually perform at the reception. Of course, there is another artist she'd absolutely love to have sing at her wedding -- but she's not really sure he'd say yes.

In a video for Buzzfeed where Meghan answers fans' questions while playing with puppies -- yes, you read that right -- she was asked, "Which celeb would you die to have sing at your wedding?"

"Oh Lord, can they be dead or [do they have to be] alive?" she responded. "I would die to have Frank Sinatra, even though [I] can’t do that one!" When she was unable to come up with a name, she asked Daryl, who was off camera, "Who should sing at our wedding, that won't?" He said Bruno Mars, which was evidently the right answer.

During the same interview, Meghan also revealed what her upcoming third album will sound like.

"The rest of the album’s gonna be pop! Pop anthems," she explained. "A lot about love, a lot about happiness, and songs about loving yourself. Every song is like a dance song except one, there’s a beautiful ballad in there."

As for who inspired her the most while making the record, Meghan said it was actually other artists.

"I listened to a lot of ABBA before this, and O.G. pop, like young Britney Spears," she revealed, adding, "That's what I grew up on...'NSYNC and Backstreet Boys, I listened to a lot of that."

Meghan also revealed that her biggest splurge since finding fame was buying a Tesla, and that the one celebrity who left her starstruck was Adele.

]]>Taylor Miller / BuzzFeedWhen Meghan Trainor ties the knot with her fiance, Daryl Sabara, she'll probably be too busy to actually perform at the reception. Of course, there is another artist she'd absolutely love to have sing at her wedding -- but she's not really sure he'd say yes.

In a video for Buzzfeed where Meghan answers fans' questions while playing with puppies -- yes, you read that right -- she was asked, "Which celeb would you die to have sing at your wedding?"

"Oh Lord, can they be dead or [do they have to be] alive?" she responded. "I would die to have Frank Sinatra, even though [I] can’t do that one!" When she was unable to come up with a name, she asked Daryl, who was off camera, "Who should sing at our wedding, that won't?" He said Bruno Mars, which was evidently the right answer.

During the same interview, Meghan also revealed what her upcoming third album will sound like.

"The rest of the album’s gonna be pop! Pop anthems," she explained. "A lot about love, a lot about happiness, and songs about loving yourself. Every song is like a dance song except one, there’s a beautiful ballad in there."

As for who inspired her the most while making the record, Meghan said it was actually other artists.

"I listened to a lot of ABBA before this, and O.G. pop, like young Britney Spears," she revealed, adding, "That's what I grew up on...'NSYNC and Backstreet Boys, I listened to a lot of that."

Meghan also revealed that her biggest splurge since finding fame was buying a Tesla, and that the one celebrity who left her starstruck was Adele.

TAS Rights ManagementFans who paid for a VIP package for Taylor Swift's upcoming tour have evidently received their personal invitations to the festivities, and boy, are they impressive.

A British journalist tweeted a video of the invitation, a 3-D popup extravaganza complete with a video screen that shows a message from Taylor. "Hey guys, if you're watching this right now, then you got a VIP package for the Reputation tour and I'm so excited that you did. I'm so excited that you wanted to come. I am so stoked about it," she says in the brief video clip.

The invitation might also give a sneak peek at the stage design for the tour. It appears to show a stage with two crossed runways, each ending in a small mini stage. Behind that are some panels, and the whole thing is wrapped in the fake newsprint that's on the cover of the Reputation album. Behind and above the stage is a video screen.

In addition to the invite, the most expensive VIP package also includes admission to the "ultra exclusive Snake Pit," as well as a hardback book of poetry, paintings and photos, a tour laminate, a commemorative ticket and ticket holder, a patch, and the Reputation album.

TAS Rights ManagementFans who paid for a VIP package for Taylor Swift's upcoming tour have evidently received their personal invitations to the festivities, and boy, are they impressive.

A British journalist tweeted a video of the invitation, a 3-D popup extravaganza complete with a video screen that shows a message from Taylor. "Hey guys, if you're watching this right now, then you got a VIP package for the Reputation tour and I'm so excited that you did. I'm so excited that you wanted to come. I am so stoked about it," she says in the brief video clip.

The invitation might also give a sneak peek at the stage design for the tour. It appears to show a stage with two crossed runways, each ending in a small mini stage. Behind that are some panels, and the whole thing is wrapped in the fake newsprint that's on the cover of the Reputation album. Behind and above the stage is a video screen.

In addition to the invite, the most expensive VIP package also includes admission to the "ultra exclusive Snake Pit," as well as a hardback book of poetry, paintings and photos, a tour laminate, a commemorative ticket and ticket holder, a patch, and the Reputation album.

Matt MurphyAs Katharine McPhee gets ready to make her Broadway debut in Waitress next month, we now have a sneak peek of her in the role.

Entertainment Tonight has an exclusive mini-music video of Katharine performing one of the show’s songs, “What Baking Can Do,” as pregnant pie-maker Jenna. We see her crafting recipes for her famous pies and placing the sugary creations out on the diner’s counter as she belts out the tune.

On April 10, the singer/actress will take over the lead role in the musical, based on the 2007 romantic comedy of the same name and featuring songs written by Sara Bareilles.

The former American Idol finalist will star in Waitress through June 17.

Matt MurphyAs Katharine McPhee gets ready to make her Broadway debut in Waitress next month, we now have a sneak peek of her in the role.

Entertainment Tonight has an exclusive mini-music video of Katharine performing one of the show’s songs, “What Baking Can Do,” as pregnant pie-maker Jenna. We see her crafting recipes for her famous pies and placing the sugary creations out on the diner’s counter as she belts out the tune.

On April 10, the singer/actress will take over the lead role in the musical, based on the 2007 romantic comedy of the same name and featuring songs written by Sara Bareilles.

The former American Idol finalist will star in Waitress through June 17.

]]>"Throw the whole app-oligy away": Rihanna claps back at Snapchat following release of controversial adhttp://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/ed7002ad688a0623c8d60efa9f5dc5c7
Thu, 15 Mar 2018 14:00:00 -0500http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/ed7002ad688a0623c8d60efa9f5dc5c7Getty Images via ABCRihanna has finally spoken out about a controversial Snapchat ad featuring her and ex-boyfriend Chris Brown that was published earlier in the week.

The ad, which is a take on the game "Would You Rather?" asked viewers if they would rather "Slap Rihanna" or "Punch Chris Brown" with pictures of both artists featured.

The ad was apparently a reference to the fact that Brown physically assaulted Rihanna in 2009.

He later accepted a plea deal that included nearly five years of probation and one year of domestic violence counseling.

Thursday, the "Diamonds" superstar posted a statement on her Instagram story.

She writes, "Now SNAPCHAT I know you already know you ain't my fav app out there! But I'm just trying to figure out what the point was with this mess! I'd love to call it ignorance, but I know you ain't that dumb!"

RiRi continues, "You spent money to animate something that would intentionally bring shame to [domestic violence] victims and made a joke of it!!!"

"This isn't about my personal feelings, cause I don't have much of them...but all the women, children and men that have been victims of DV in the past and especially the ones who haven't made it out yet....you let us down! Shame on you. Throw the whole app-oligy away."

In a statement to ABC News, Snapchat said, "This advertisement is disgusting and never should have appeared on our service. We are so sorry we made the terrible mistake of allowing it through our review process. We are investigating how that happened so that we can make sure it never happens again.”

]]>Getty Images via ABCRihanna has finally spoken out about a controversial Snapchat ad featuring her and ex-boyfriend Chris Brown that was published earlier in the week.

The ad, which is a take on the game "Would You Rather?" asked viewers if they would rather "Slap Rihanna" or "Punch Chris Brown" with pictures of both artists featured.

The ad was apparently a reference to the fact that Brown physically assaulted Rihanna in 2009.

He later accepted a plea deal that included nearly five years of probation and one year of domestic violence counseling.

Thursday, the "Diamonds" superstar posted a statement on her Instagram story.

She writes, "Now SNAPCHAT I know you already know you ain't my fav app out there! But I'm just trying to figure out what the point was with this mess! I'd love to call it ignorance, but I know you ain't that dumb!"

RiRi continues, "You spent money to animate something that would intentionally bring shame to [domestic violence] victims and made a joke of it!!!"

"This isn't about my personal feelings, cause I don't have much of them...but all the women, children and men that have been victims of DV in the past and especially the ones who haven't made it out yet....you let us down! Shame on you. Throw the whole app-oligy away."

In a statement to ABC News, Snapchat said, "This advertisement is disgusting and never should have appeared on our service. We are so sorry we made the terrible mistake of allowing it through our review process. We are investigating how that happened so that we can make sure it never happens again.”

]]>"American Idol" contestant clarifies his response to Katy Perry's kiss: "I do not think I was sexually harassed"http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/876302ce65764dc550395cc632ae0f48
Thu, 15 Mar 2018 12:00:00 -0500http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/876302ce65764dc550395cc632ae0f48ABC/Mark LevineWho knew kissing a girl would lead to so much drama?

As previously reported, theNew York Times ran an interview with American Idol contestant Benjamin Glaze -- the kid who was surprise-smooched by Katy Perry on the Sunday premiere of the show -- in which he seemed to be quite upset by the kiss. Glaze, who told the judges he'd never kissed a girl before, told the Times, "I was raised in a conservative family and I was uncomfortable immediately. I wanted my first kiss to be special."

Some viewers were offended by the kiss, which the Times described as "unwanted" -- some even went as far as accusing Katy of sexual harassment. Now, Benjamin has taken to Instagram to clarify his feelings about the situation.

"The way certain articles are worded is not done by me, and my true intentions are not accurately represented in every article," he writes in a lengthy post. "I am not complaining about the kiss, I am very honored and thankful to have been apart of American Idol."

After noting that he wished he had performed better, Glaze added, "I do not think I was sexually harassed by Katy Perry and I am thankful for the judges comments and critiques. I was uncomfortable in a sense of how I have never been kissed before and was not expecting it."

He concluded the post by saying, "My main goal is to reach people through the universal love of music and not cause strife or anger against anyone or about any situation!"

Commenters continued to insist that the kiss was inappropriate. As one wrote, "In light of the harassment allegation in Hollywood at the moment, Katy ought to have been more aware of what she was doing...kissing a stranger without permission isn't acceptable."

]]>ABC/Mark LevineWho knew kissing a girl would lead to so much drama?

As previously reported, theNew York Times ran an interview with American Idol contestant Benjamin Glaze -- the kid who was surprise-smooched by Katy Perry on the Sunday premiere of the show -- in which he seemed to be quite upset by the kiss. Glaze, who told the judges he'd never kissed a girl before, told the Times, "I was raised in a conservative family and I was uncomfortable immediately. I wanted my first kiss to be special."

Some viewers were offended by the kiss, which the Times described as "unwanted" -- some even went as far as accusing Katy of sexual harassment. Now, Benjamin has taken to Instagram to clarify his feelings about the situation.

"The way certain articles are worded is not done by me, and my true intentions are not accurately represented in every article," he writes in a lengthy post. "I am not complaining about the kiss, I am very honored and thankful to have been apart of American Idol."

After noting that he wished he had performed better, Glaze added, "I do not think I was sexually harassed by Katy Perry and I am thankful for the judges comments and critiques. I was uncomfortable in a sense of how I have never been kissed before and was not expecting it."

He concluded the post by saying, "My main goal is to reach people through the universal love of music and not cause strife or anger against anyone or about any situation!"

Commenters continued to insist that the kiss was inappropriate. As one wrote, "In light of the harassment allegation in Hollywood at the moment, Katy ought to have been more aware of what she was doing...kissing a stranger without permission isn't acceptable."

Mariano VivancoIn the new issue of Harper’s Bazaar, Jennifer Lopez is opening up about her own experience with sexual harassment in the entertainment business.

“I haven’t been abused in the way some women have. But have I been told by a director to take off my shirt and show my boobs? Yes, I have,” she reveals. “But did I do it? No, I did not.”

She admits that she was “terrified” to speak up because it was so early on in her career.

“It was one of my first movies,” she says. “But in my mind I knew the behavior wasn’t right. It could have gone either way for me. But I think ultimately the Bronx in me was like, ‘Nah, we’re not having it.’”

J.Lo also discusses her relationship with Alex Rodriguez, saying they “understand each other’s lives in a way that most other people couldn’t.”

But that doesn't necessarily mean that wedding bells are on the way.

“I do believe in marriage, and I would love to grow old with somebody in a committed relationship,” she says. “But I’m not forcing anything right now.”

J.Lo has been married three times, most recently to Marc Anthony, with whom she shares twins Max and Emme. The two divorced in 2014. Rodriguez has two kids from his first and only marriage, which ended in 2008.

Mariano VivancoIn the new issue of Harper’s Bazaar, Jennifer Lopez is opening up about her own experience with sexual harassment in the entertainment business.

“I haven’t been abused in the way some women have. But have I been told by a director to take off my shirt and show my boobs? Yes, I have,” she reveals. “But did I do it? No, I did not.”

She admits that she was “terrified” to speak up because it was so early on in her career.

“It was one of my first movies,” she says. “But in my mind I knew the behavior wasn’t right. It could have gone either way for me. But I think ultimately the Bronx in me was like, ‘Nah, we’re not having it.’”

J.Lo also discusses her relationship with Alex Rodriguez, saying they “understand each other’s lives in a way that most other people couldn’t.”

But that doesn't necessarily mean that wedding bells are on the way.

“I do believe in marriage, and I would love to grow old with somebody in a committed relationship,” she says. “But I’m not forcing anything right now.”

J.Lo has been married three times, most recently to Marc Anthony, with whom she shares twins Max and Emme. The two divorced in 2014. Rodriguez has two kids from his first and only marriage, which ended in 2008.

“Just officially turned 6 years sober,” the singer tweeted Thursday. “So grateful for another year of joy, health and happiness. It IS possible.”

The tweet received an outpouring of support and encouragement from fans, with many writing how “proud” they are of the star.

Demi has long been open about her past struggles with substance abuse. She co-owns the treatment center CAST Centers and has brought the organization on the road with her for her current Tell Me You Love Me tour.

In a cover story with Billboardlast week, Demi revealed how some of her experiences as a celebrity can pose challenges to her sobriety.

In particular, she recalled that at the 2016 Met Gala, she felt so uncomfortable that she wanted to drink. Instead, she left the event and headed to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting...still wearing the millions of dollars worth of diamonds from the evening.

“Just officially turned 6 years sober,” the singer tweeted Thursday. “So grateful for another year of joy, health and happiness. It IS possible.”

The tweet received an outpouring of support and encouragement from fans, with many writing how “proud” they are of the star.

Demi has long been open about her past struggles with substance abuse. She co-owns the treatment center CAST Centers and has brought the organization on the road with her for her current Tell Me You Love Me tour.

In a cover story with Billboardlast week, Demi revealed how some of her experiences as a celebrity can pose challenges to her sobriety.

In particular, she recalled that at the 2016 Met Gala, she felt so uncomfortable that she wanted to drink. Instead, she left the event and headed to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting...still wearing the millions of dollars worth of diamonds from the evening.

Island RecordsOn April 10, you'll see a lot of today's top stars interpreting Elton John's classic songs on the CBS special Elton John: I'm Still Standing -- A Grammy Salute. But if you watch the show and wish you could own some of those performances, there's good news: You can.

April 6 will see the release of two albums, called Revamp and Restoration. Revamp features pop and rock artists interpreting Elton's songs, while Restoration features country artists doing the same thing.

Some of the same stars who appear on the TV special also recorded tracks for the albums, including Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Alessia Cara, Coldplay, Little Big Town, Maren Morris and Miranda Lambert.

In a statement, Elton says, "On Revamp I wrote out a wish list of people that I would love and asked them and to my surprise, most of them said yes, and we have quite an astonishing eclectic crew.”

Elton himself appears on Revamp, reworking "Bennie & the Jets" as a collaboration with Pink and Grammy-nominated rapper Logic. Other artists on Revamp include Demi Lovato -- who duets on "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with A Tribe Called Quest rapper Q-Tip -- plus Florence & the Machine, The Killers, Mumford & Sons and Mary J. Blige.

The only artist who appears on both albums is Miley Cyrus. On Revamp, she sings "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." On Restoration, she sings "The Bitch Is Back."

Elton says the albums prove that the classic hits he wrote over the past 50 years with lyricist Bernie Taupin are "still relevant and ultimately that our songs continue to reach new audiences. We're humbled and thank them all for their generosity.”

Island RecordsOn April 10, you'll see a lot of today's top stars interpreting Elton John's classic songs on the CBS special Elton John: I'm Still Standing -- A Grammy Salute. But if you watch the show and wish you could own some of those performances, there's good news: You can.

April 6 will see the release of two albums, called Revamp and Restoration. Revamp features pop and rock artists interpreting Elton's songs, while Restoration features country artists doing the same thing.

Some of the same stars who appear on the TV special also recorded tracks for the albums, including Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Alessia Cara, Coldplay, Little Big Town, Maren Morris and Miranda Lambert.

In a statement, Elton says, "On Revamp I wrote out a wish list of people that I would love and asked them and to my surprise, most of them said yes, and we have quite an astonishing eclectic crew.”

Elton himself appears on Revamp, reworking "Bennie & the Jets" as a collaboration with Pink and Grammy-nominated rapper Logic. Other artists on Revamp include Demi Lovato -- who duets on "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with A Tribe Called Quest rapper Q-Tip -- plus Florence & the Machine, The Killers, Mumford & Sons and Mary J. Blige.

The only artist who appears on both albums is Miley Cyrus. On Revamp, she sings "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." On Restoration, she sings "The Bitch Is Back."

Elton says the albums prove that the classic hits he wrote over the past 50 years with lyricist Bernie Taupin are "still relevant and ultimately that our songs continue to reach new audiences. We're humbled and thank them all for their generosity.”

]]>Maren Morris loves that she and Zedd are making pop and country fans meet in "The Middle"http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/919b46a58b1cef6fce69ea5c776bb96a
Thu, 15 Mar 2018 05:00:00 -0500http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/919b46a58b1cef6fce69ea5c776bb96aPhoto by Nick WalkerCountry/pop crossovers are the latest craze: There are two in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 right now. Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha's "Meant to Be" is #5; "The Middle," by Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey, is #8. Maren says she loves the fact that her song is exposing pop and country fans to genres they don't normally listen to.

"I think it's a really powerful song and I love being a part of it, because it's bringing a lot of country fans that wouldn't normally listen to, like, an EDM guy [like Zedd], [and they're listening] to him and his back [catalogue]," she tells ABC Radio. "And a lot of pop fans that don't listen to country, now they're listening to country! So it's a cool collaboration in that way."

"If you listen to a song and it makes you feel something, no matter what genre it is, that's not wrong," she points out. "And I love that people are just hearing songs and being, like, 'I like this 'cause it's a good song. I'm not worried about the genre tags attached to it.'"

Maren isn't abandoning country, but she likes the freedom she has to explore other types of music.

"While I feel like I'm always going to be very rooted in country and I'm making my next record that is very rooted in country, still, I listen to everything," she says. "And I love being a part of these collaborations."

By the way, the last time two different country acts were in the Billboard Hot 100 with two different songs was 18 years ago, when Faith Hill's "Breathe" was #3 and Lonestar's "Amazed" was #10.

]]>Photo by Nick WalkerCountry/pop crossovers are the latest craze: There are two in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 right now. Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha's "Meant to Be" is #5; "The Middle," by Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey, is #8. Maren says she loves the fact that her song is exposing pop and country fans to genres they don't normally listen to.

"I think it's a really powerful song and I love being a part of it, because it's bringing a lot of country fans that wouldn't normally listen to, like, an EDM guy [like Zedd], [and they're listening] to him and his back [catalogue]," she tells ABC Radio. "And a lot of pop fans that don't listen to country, now they're listening to country! So it's a cool collaboration in that way."

"If you listen to a song and it makes you feel something, no matter what genre it is, that's not wrong," she points out. "And I love that people are just hearing songs and being, like, 'I like this 'cause it's a good song. I'm not worried about the genre tags attached to it.'"

Maren isn't abandoning country, but she likes the freedom she has to explore other types of music.

"While I feel like I'm always going to be very rooted in country and I'm making my next record that is very rooted in country, still, I listen to everything," she says. "And I love being a part of these collaborations."

By the way, the last time two different country acts were in the Billboard Hot 100 with two different songs was 18 years ago, when Faith Hill's "Breathe" was #3 and Lonestar's "Amazed" was #10.

]]>Enrique Iglesias opens about about being a dad: "I love my babies!"http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/701209ef1a542c59e9e0d9bae6f7edb0
Wed, 14 Mar 2018 16:40:00 -0500http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/701209ef1a542c59e9e0d9bae6f7edb0ABC/Randy HolmesEnrique Iglesias is finally opening up about being a dad to twins.

The singer gushed over his children, Nicholas and Lucy, during a concert in Budapest, Hungary Sunday night.

“I became a father 12 weeks ago and I can absolutely tell you two things: I love my babies! I love them very much,” he said in a video captured by fans.

He also gave a shoutout to the mother of his children and his partner of 16 years, Anna Kournikova.

“Actually three things: I love my girl and I super f****** love you guys for being here tonight,” he added. “This is for your loyalty”

The couple welcomed the twins on December 16 in Miami. In January, they shared the first photos of the babies on Instagram.

Benjamin Glaze, the 19-year-old American Idol contestant who got a surprise smooch from Katy Perry during his audition, tells the New York Times he was disappointed that his first kiss happened that way.

“I was a tad bit uncomfortable,” he told the publication.

“I wanted to save it for my first relationship,” he added. “I wanted it to be special.”

During Sunday night’s premiere, Glaze told the judges he had never been kissed and Katy immediately called him over and put her face out towards him. As he leaned in to give her a peck on the cheek, she quickly turned her head to kiss him on the lips.

“Would I have done it if she said, ‘Would you kiss me?’ No, I would have said no,” Glaze told the Times. “I know a lot of guys would be like, ‘Heck yeah!’ But for me, I was raised in a conservative family and I was uncomfortable immediately. I wanted my first kiss to be special.”

Glaze was ultimately rejected by the judges and returned home to Oklahoma. After talking with his friends, he’s since determined that the kiss from Katy “didn’t count.”

“They agreed with me that it didn’t really count,” he said. “It was lip contact versus a romantic situation with someone you care about. That’s what a real first kiss is.”

Benjamin Glaze, the 19-year-old American Idol contestant who got a surprise smooch from Katy Perry during his audition, tells the New York Times he was disappointed that his first kiss happened that way.

“I was a tad bit uncomfortable,” he told the publication.

“I wanted to save it for my first relationship,” he added. “I wanted it to be special.”

During Sunday night’s premiere, Glaze told the judges he had never been kissed and Katy immediately called him over and put her face out towards him. As he leaned in to give her a peck on the cheek, she quickly turned her head to kiss him on the lips.

“Would I have done it if she said, ‘Would you kiss me?’ No, I would have said no,” Glaze told the Times. “I know a lot of guys would be like, ‘Heck yeah!’ But for me, I was raised in a conservative family and I was uncomfortable immediately. I wanted my first kiss to be special.”

Glaze was ultimately rejected by the judges and returned home to Oklahoma. After talking with his friends, he’s since determined that the kiss from Katy “didn’t count.”

“They agreed with me that it didn’t really count,” he said. “It was lip contact versus a romantic situation with someone you care about. That’s what a real first kiss is.”

Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images via ABCMiley Cyrus is being accused of stealing the lyrics to her 2013 hit, “We Can’t Stop.”

According to legal documents first obtained by The Blast, Caribbean songwriter Michael May, who performs under the name Flourgon, has sued the singer in New York federal court.

The suit claims Miley’s lyrics “We run things / Things don’t run we” were adapted from May’s song "We Run Things" which contains the line “We run things / Things no run we.”

Additionally, he adds that the song “substantially incorporated” his “vocal melody/rhythm/cadence/inflection.” He alleges both songs have the theme of “defiant audaciousness in the realm of self-discovery and self-governance.”

May is suing for an injunction prohibiting Miley from continuing to sell the track, and for unspecified damages.

The credits for "We Can't Stop" list seven people, including Miley, her producer Mike WiLL Made-It and the two brothers who comprise the duo R. City. It was the lead single from her 2013 album Bangerz.

Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images via ABCMiley Cyrus is being accused of stealing the lyrics to her 2013 hit, “We Can’t Stop.”

According to legal documents first obtained by The Blast, Caribbean songwriter Michael May, who performs under the name Flourgon, has sued the singer in New York federal court.

The suit claims Miley’s lyrics “We run things / Things don’t run we” were adapted from May’s song "We Run Things" which contains the line “We run things / Things no run we.”

Additionally, he adds that the song “substantially incorporated” his “vocal melody/rhythm/cadence/inflection.” He alleges both songs have the theme of “defiant audaciousness in the realm of self-discovery and self-governance.”

May is suing for an injunction prohibiting Miley from continuing to sell the track, and for unspecified damages.

The credits for "We Can't Stop" list seven people, including Miley, her producer Mike WiLL Made-It and the two brothers who comprise the duo R. City. It was the lead single from her 2013 album Bangerz.

]]>Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, Bruno Mars up for Australian songwriting awardshttp://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/9d01ba27d64e5e4f83931b1d3694a4e6
Wed, 14 Mar 2018 13:57:00 -0500http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/9d01ba27d64e5e4f83931b1d3694a4e6Mark SurridgeEd Sheeran, Bruno Mars and Shawn Mendes are from three different countries, none of which is Australia. But the British, American and Canadian singers, respectively, are all up for a prestigious Aussie songwriting award.

The APRA Awards, given out by the Australian Performing Rights Association, recognizes songwriting achievements on the Australian charts in the past year. Ed, Bruno and Shawn are all nominated in the "International Work of the Year" category: Bruno for "24K Magic," Ed for both "Shape of You" and "Castle on the Hill," and Shawn for "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back."

The final nominees in the International category are the Chainsmokers and Coldplay, for "Something Just Like This." Meanwhile, "Riptide" singer Vance Joy, who is an Aussie, is nominated for Pop Work of the Year for his single "Lay It On Me."

]]>Mark SurridgeEd Sheeran, Bruno Mars and Shawn Mendes are from three different countries, none of which is Australia. But the British, American and Canadian singers, respectively, are all up for a prestigious Aussie songwriting award.

The APRA Awards, given out by the Australian Performing Rights Association, recognizes songwriting achievements on the Australian charts in the past year. Ed, Bruno and Shawn are all nominated in the "International Work of the Year" category: Bruno for "24K Magic," Ed for both "Shape of You" and "Castle on the Hill," and Shawn for "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back."

The final nominees in the International category are the Chainsmokers and Coldplay, for "Something Just Like This." Meanwhile, "Riptide" singer Vance Joy, who is an Aussie, is nominated for Pop Work of the Year for his single "Lay It On Me."

]]>You're all "Mine:" Camila Cabello taps Bazzi as opening act for Never Be the Same Tourhttp://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/3be3878cc442318f71fbd4ee2334d5a7
Wed, 14 Mar 2018 13:00:00 -0500http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/3be3878cc442318f71fbd4ee2334d5a7

BryantWhile Camila Cabello is going to be opening for Taylor Swift on her Reputation tour, she's just announced the opening act for her own Never Be the Same Tour.

Rising star Bazzi will be Camila's special guest on her tour, which kicks off April 9 in Vancouver, BC. Bazzi's hit "Mine" has gone gold and racked up more than 130 million streams. Taylor Swift even included "Mine," which has inspired a popular meme, on her most recent "Songs Taylor Loves" playlist.

Bazzi's debut album, which will include his recently-released tracks "Why" and "Gone," is due out this spring.

BryantWhile Camila Cabello is going to be opening for Taylor Swift on her Reputation tour, she's just announced the opening act for her own Never Be the Same Tour.

Rising star Bazzi will be Camila's special guest on her tour, which kicks off April 9 in Vancouver, BC. Bazzi's hit "Mine" has gone gold and racked up more than 130 million streams. Taylor Swift even included "Mine," which has inspired a popular meme, on her most recent "Songs Taylor Loves" playlist.

Bazzi's debut album, which will include his recently-released tracks "Why" and "Gone," is due out this spring.

While she reportedly hasn’t officially broken up with Justin Bieber, she is “taking time to herself” right now.

"Selena is very delicate; her 'comeback' to the spotlight has been tough -- especially with the interest in her personal life with Justin and her mother,” a source tells Entertainment Tonight. “She is taking time to herself. This is not the first time she has done this."

The source adds that Selena is also working to repair her relationship with her mother, Mandy Teefey, who reportedly isn't happy about her relationship with Justin.

"She needs to figure out how to live the life she wants in the spotlight -- if that's even possible," the source says.

Meanwhile, in other celebrity couple news, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton are still going strong, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be walking down the aisle any time soon.

"There is no reason for them to rush into a marriage so they aren’t," a source tells ET. "Both of them are happy and content with where their relationship is right now."

Gwen has three children from her marriage to Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale. Blake has been married and divorced twice, most recently in 2015, from second wife and fellow country star Miranda Lambert.

While she reportedly hasn’t officially broken up with Justin Bieber, she is “taking time to herself” right now.

"Selena is very delicate; her 'comeback' to the spotlight has been tough -- especially with the interest in her personal life with Justin and her mother,” a source tells Entertainment Tonight. “She is taking time to herself. This is not the first time she has done this."

The source adds that Selena is also working to repair her relationship with her mother, Mandy Teefey, who reportedly isn't happy about her relationship with Justin.

"She needs to figure out how to live the life she wants in the spotlight -- if that's even possible," the source says.

Meanwhile, in other celebrity couple news, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton are still going strong, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be walking down the aisle any time soon.

"There is no reason for them to rush into a marriage so they aren’t," a source tells ET. "Both of them are happy and content with where their relationship is right now."

Gwen has three children from her marriage to Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale. Blake has been married and divorced twice, most recently in 2015, from second wife and fellow country star Miranda Lambert.

Meghan Trainor and her fiance Daryl Sabara got engaged in December, but the couple hasn't started planning their wedding yet..because she's just a little busy.

As People magazine notes, Meghan is gearing up to release her third album, followed by a world tour. But she tells People that she's in no hurry to tie the knot, and besides, she knows that it'll eventually happen.

"I’m enjoying being engaged so much. And my manager said, ‘It’s in the schedule!’ So a wedding is in the schedule, I guess!” she tells People.

Meghan is particularly excited to release her new album because Daryl, formerly of Spy Kids fame, is actually featured on it.

"He’s singing on every song. He was with me every day in the studio, just loving on me and being so cute,” she tells People. “I had to slow down on the love songs because it was just easy for me."

She laughs, "I’m so in love [that] my dad started yelling at me, like, ‘There’s too many love songs! The album’s not about Daryl!’ I was like, ‘But I’m happy and in a really good place now!'"

Meghan Trainor and her fiance Daryl Sabara got engaged in December, but the couple hasn't started planning their wedding yet..because she's just a little busy.

As People magazine notes, Meghan is gearing up to release her third album, followed by a world tour. But she tells People that she's in no hurry to tie the knot, and besides, she knows that it'll eventually happen.

"I’m enjoying being engaged so much. And my manager said, ‘It’s in the schedule!’ So a wedding is in the schedule, I guess!” she tells People.

Meghan is particularly excited to release her new album because Daryl, formerly of Spy Kids fame, is actually featured on it.

"He’s singing on every song. He was with me every day in the studio, just loving on me and being so cute,” she tells People. “I had to slow down on the love songs because it was just easy for me."

She laughs, "I’m so in love [that] my dad started yelling at me, like, ‘There’s too many love songs! The album’s not about Daryl!’ I was like, ‘But I’m happy and in a really good place now!'"

Dua Lipa has been forced to cancel two of her Australian shows opening for Bruno Mars due to dental surgery.

The singer broke the news to fans on social media, saying she needed her wisdom teeth removed and would not be able to perform.

“Im so sorry to have to cancel some of my support shows with @brunomars,” Dua writes. “I’ve been performing with an awful pain due to my wisdom teeth and as advised by my dentist and oral surgeon I have had to have them imminently removed.”

She adds, “I have been enjoying this tour so much and i’m so upset that life has gotten in the way but hopefully i’ll have a speedy recovery and make it back as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.”

Dua also posted a video of herself looking bummed while holding a cloth to her swollen face.

According to a statement from LiveNation, she’ll be missing two shows on March 14 and March 15 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Dua Lipa has been forced to cancel two of her Australian shows opening for Bruno Mars due to dental surgery.

The singer broke the news to fans on social media, saying she needed her wisdom teeth removed and would not be able to perform.

“Im so sorry to have to cancel some of my support shows with @brunomars,” Dua writes. “I’ve been performing with an awful pain due to my wisdom teeth and as advised by my dentist and oral surgeon I have had to have them imminently removed.”

She adds, “I have been enjoying this tour so much and i’m so upset that life has gotten in the way but hopefully i’ll have a speedy recovery and make it back as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.”

Dua also posted a video of herself looking bummed while holding a cloth to her swollen face.

According to a statement from LiveNation, she’ll be missing two shows on March 14 and March 15 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

]]>'The Voice' recap: The blind auditions conclude as the coaches fill their teamshttp://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/fe5e3d86fb7b661f5d6b1aef740087bb
Wed, 14 Mar 2018 05:00:00 -0500http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/fe5e3d86fb7b661f5d6b1aef740087bbTrae Patton/NBCThe Voice aired its final blind auditions on Tuesday night, with coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Alicia Keys and Kelly Clarkson looking for some last-minute talent. By the end of the night, each coach had 12 artists on his or her roster, thus completing their teams.

Here are the highlights of Tuesday night's show:

Miami native Genesis Diaz hopes to fulfill the dream of her parents -- Cuban émigrés who also had musical aspirations, but gave them up to move here. Genesis got Adam and Blake to turn their chairs around with her cover of Kesha’s “Praying.” Adam, who pushed his button first, asked the singer if she wanted to be with “a leader or a follower.” Genesis picked Adam, who was left with just one more opening on his team.

Sharane Calister grew up singing gospel music with her twin sister, but the two -- whose parents dealt with substance abuse -- found themselves in separate foster homes, before reuniting in their high school choir class. Sharane channeled her painful past for a powerful rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Make It Rain” that got Alicia to turn her chair and demand Kelly turn, as well. Clarkson, who didn’t think she could compete with Keys, gave in, but only because it would be “disrespectful not to” for someone with Calister’s talent. Alicia, who described Sharane’s voice as “perfection,” nabbed the singer, filling out her team.

Dallas Caroline, 17, started writing and singing songs at the tender age of 12 and performed at country music’s CMA Fest last summer. Her version of Willlie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind” got the remaining coaches to turn around, but neither Adam, nor Kelly could compete with Blake’s plea to join country's “next hero” on the road to becoming another LeAnn Rimes or Tanya Tucker. Shelton’s team is now full.

Country/pop artist Jackie Verna hopes to pick up her singing career after a car accident left her with a serious head injury and her face badly scarred. She chose Kelsea Ballerini’s “Peter Pan” for her blind audition. With Blake and Alicia’s teams full, the only coach standing in the way of Adam scoring score Jackie for his team was Kelly. When she didn’t turn around, a "stunned" Adam welcomed Jackie to his now full team.

Finally, Amber Sauer -- who has sung backup for the likes of Natalie Cole, Angie Stone and Kelly Price -- competed for her moment in the spotlight with a soulful, rangy take on Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” convincing Kelly to turn around and, thus, finishing off her team. Clarkson explained the high-powered singer didn’t just sing high, but sang from the soul, as well.

The Voice battles kick off next week, with the help of the following advisers: Julia Michaels for Team Adam; Trace Adkins for Team Blake; Shawn Mendes for Team Alicia; and Hailee Steinfeld for Team Kelly.

]]>Trae Patton/NBCThe Voice aired its final blind auditions on Tuesday night, with coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Alicia Keys and Kelly Clarkson looking for some last-minute talent. By the end of the night, each coach had 12 artists on his or her roster, thus completing their teams.

Here are the highlights of Tuesday night's show:

Miami native Genesis Diaz hopes to fulfill the dream of her parents -- Cuban émigrés who also had musical aspirations, but gave them up to move here. Genesis got Adam and Blake to turn their chairs around with her cover of Kesha’s “Praying.” Adam, who pushed his button first, asked the singer if she wanted to be with “a leader or a follower.” Genesis picked Adam, who was left with just one more opening on his team.

Sharane Calister grew up singing gospel music with her twin sister, but the two -- whose parents dealt with substance abuse -- found themselves in separate foster homes, before reuniting in their high school choir class. Sharane channeled her painful past for a powerful rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Make It Rain” that got Alicia to turn her chair and demand Kelly turn, as well. Clarkson, who didn’t think she could compete with Keys, gave in, but only because it would be “disrespectful not to” for someone with Calister’s talent. Alicia, who described Sharane’s voice as “perfection,” nabbed the singer, filling out her team.

Dallas Caroline, 17, started writing and singing songs at the tender age of 12 and performed at country music’s CMA Fest last summer. Her version of Willlie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind” got the remaining coaches to turn around, but neither Adam, nor Kelly could compete with Blake’s plea to join country's “next hero” on the road to becoming another LeAnn Rimes or Tanya Tucker. Shelton’s team is now full.

Country/pop artist Jackie Verna hopes to pick up her singing career after a car accident left her with a serious head injury and her face badly scarred. She chose Kelsea Ballerini’s “Peter Pan” for her blind audition. With Blake and Alicia’s teams full, the only coach standing in the way of Adam scoring score Jackie for his team was Kelly. When she didn’t turn around, a "stunned" Adam welcomed Jackie to his now full team.

Finally, Amber Sauer -- who has sung backup for the likes of Natalie Cole, Angie Stone and Kelly Price -- competed for her moment in the spotlight with a soulful, rangy take on Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” convincing Kelly to turn around and, thus, finishing off her team. Clarkson explained the high-powered singer didn’t just sing high, but sang from the soul, as well.

The Voice battles kick off next week, with the help of the following advisers: Julia Michaels for Team Adam; Trace Adkins for Team Blake; Shawn Mendes for Team Alicia; and Hailee Steinfeld for Team Kelly.

]]>Andy Grammer kicks off "The Good Parts" tour tonight, feels "lucky and blessed" to play new songs for fanshttp://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/d90683e064b658180a4cb4fd69ac3f18
Wed, 14 Mar 2018 05:00:00 -0500http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/d90683e064b658180a4cb4fd69ac3f18Joseph LlanesTonight in San Francisco, Andy Grammer kicks off his tour in support of his new album The Good Parts. He says getting the chance to play his new songs live is the reason he spends all that time writing them.

"There's a bunch of 'em that feel like they're gonna come across really well live," he told ABC Radio of his new songs. "It's really what gets me psyched. I feel so lucky and blessed -- I don't know if that sounds pretentious, but I just write...to go on tour. I feel like to...play all these new songs that are so soul-filled is gonna be really fun."

While Andy is psyched to play songs like his latest single "Smoke Clears," his fans also want to hear songs like "Keep Your Head Up" and "Honey I'm Good." That why it takes some skill to craft a set list.

"I really do think the new ones are so good, so how do you make them as entertaining as the old ones? And then you go after making them as entertaining, and then you decide which ones to cut," he says.

"Definitely there's hits that you have to play, so that's for sure you can take those seven songs that've all been on the radio and you're like, 'These are gonna be in,'" he explains. "The question is, does the one that wasn't on the radio from the first album beat the new one that wasn't on the radio of the third album?"

"That's where it's gonna be fun, to kinda figure it out," he adds. "...I have blocks [where] the songs go together, and I kinda call audibles in between those blocks. And it's time to make some new blocks!"

]]>Joseph LlanesTonight in San Francisco, Andy Grammer kicks off his tour in support of his new album The Good Parts. He says getting the chance to play his new songs live is the reason he spends all that time writing them.

"There's a bunch of 'em that feel like they're gonna come across really well live," he told ABC Radio of his new songs. "It's really what gets me psyched. I feel so lucky and blessed -- I don't know if that sounds pretentious, but I just write...to go on tour. I feel like to...play all these new songs that are so soul-filled is gonna be really fun."

While Andy is psyched to play songs like his latest single "Smoke Clears," his fans also want to hear songs like "Keep Your Head Up" and "Honey I'm Good." That why it takes some skill to craft a set list.

"I really do think the new ones are so good, so how do you make them as entertaining as the old ones? And then you go after making them as entertaining, and then you decide which ones to cut," he says.

"Definitely there's hits that you have to play, so that's for sure you can take those seven songs that've all been on the radio and you're like, 'These are gonna be in,'" he explains. "The question is, does the one that wasn't on the radio from the first album beat the new one that wasn't on the radio of the third album?"

"That's where it's gonna be fun, to kinda figure it out," he adds. "...I have blocks [where] the songs go together, and I kinda call audibles in between those blocks. And it's time to make some new blocks!"

]]>Taylor Swift shares dance rehearsal footage from "Delicate" videohttp://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/3b9429d5de10a532fa224dfd2d4852cd
Tue, 13 Mar 2018 20:56:00 -0500http://ac1027.com/abc-music-news/3b9429d5de10a532fa224dfd2d4852cdBMLG/Mert & MarcusAll those goofy dance moves that Taylor Swift shows off in the video for "Delicate" weren't spontaneous: They were all carefully choreographed. How do we know? Because Taylor's just shared video online of her rehearsing all her moves.

Taylor posted two videos on Instagram showing her rehearsing her moves in a dance studio, side-by-side with the finished sequence in the clip. In the first one, we see her working out the routine she performs in the hotel lobby, including the part where she does that gorilla-type move, and dances on the reception desk.

In the second one, we see her rehearsing the scene where she dances in the subway station, into the subway car, and then out into the rainy street, right up to the point where she does a split on the hood of a car.

Taylor's Reputation tour kicks off in May; perhaps she'll repeat some of the "Delicate" choreography onstage while performing that number.

]]>BMLG/Mert & MarcusAll those goofy dance moves that Taylor Swift shows off in the video for "Delicate" weren't spontaneous: They were all carefully choreographed. How do we know? Because Taylor's just shared video online of her rehearsing all her moves.

Taylor posted two videos on Instagram showing her rehearsing her moves in a dance studio, side-by-side with the finished sequence in the clip. In the first one, we see her working out the routine she performs in the hotel lobby, including the part where she does that gorilla-type move, and dances on the reception desk.

In the second one, we see her rehearsing the scene where she dances in the subway station, into the subway car, and then out into the rainy street, right up to the point where she does a split on the hood of a car.

Taylor's Reputation tour kicks off in May; perhaps she'll repeat some of the "Delicate" choreography onstage while performing that number.

PRNewsfoto/STX EntertainmentPitbull is diving into the world of UglyDolls.

The rapper will be joining a new film based on the UglyDolls stuffed toys. He’ll be writing and performing an original song for the movie, as well as voicing one of the main characters.

"It's truly an honor to have the opportunity to work alongside the [STX Entertainment] team and be involved with UglyDolls," Pitbull says in a statement. "The brand takes a fun approach to universal messages no matter color, culture or creed. These are themes I am passionate about, and our team is very excited about this partnership."

The movie, set for a 2019 release, will revolve around the UglyDolls confronting what it means to be different and discovering that you don’t have to be perfect to be awesome.

PRNewsfoto/STX EntertainmentPitbull is diving into the world of UglyDolls.

The rapper will be joining a new film based on the UglyDolls stuffed toys. He’ll be writing and performing an original song for the movie, as well as voicing one of the main characters.

"It's truly an honor to have the opportunity to work alongside the [STX Entertainment] team and be involved with UglyDolls," Pitbull says in a statement. "The brand takes a fun approach to universal messages no matter color, culture or creed. These are themes I am passionate about, and our team is very excited about this partnership."

The movie, set for a 2019 release, will revolve around the UglyDolls confronting what it means to be different and discovering that you don’t have to be perfect to be awesome.